Political Geography: South Ossetia

Author:: Global Centre for the Responsibility to Protect
Publication Date:: 08-2008
Content Type:: Policy Brief
Institution:: The Global Centre for the Responsibility to Protect
Abstract:: This policy brief addresses the Georgia-Russia crisis within the Responsibility to Protect framework. Highlighting that the protection of civilian populations in South Ossetia and elsewhere in the region remains an urgent concern.
Topic:: International Law, Conflict, Civilians, and Responsibility to Protect (R2P)
Political Geography:: Russia, Eurasia, Georgia, and South Ossetia

Publication Date:: 12-2007
Content Type:: Working Paper
Institution:: International Crisis Group
Abstract:: The government's repressive and disproportionate response to peaceful protests in November 2007 shocked Western capitals, which had viewed Georgia as a beacon of democracy in a region of illiberal regimes. Since the Rose Revolution, however, President Mikheil Saakashvili's administration has become increasingly intolerant of dissent as it has sought to reform inefficient post-Soviet institutions, stimulate a deeply dysfunctional economy, regain the breakaway regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia and deal with its meddling Russian neighbour. In an attempt to restore his democratic credentials, Saakashvili has called an early presidential election for 5 January 2008, which he is expected to win, but a free and fair election will not be enough to repair the damage. The West should press the government to abandon its increasingly authoritarian behaviour, engage in a genuine dialogue with political opponents and make the ongoing reform process transparent and accountable.
Topic:: Conflict Prevention, Corruption, Democratization, and Development
Political Geography:: Russia, Georgia, South Ossetia, and Abkhazia

Author:: Nicu Popescu
Publication Date:: 03-2007
Content Type:: Working Paper
Institution:: Centre for European Policy Studies (CEPS)
Abstract:: The EU can do little to achieve its policy objectives in its Eastern neighbourhood without facing the issue of secessionist conflicts. This paper deals with EU policy towards Georgia and the secessionist regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. It discusses the reasons for and constraints on EU policies, their effects and perception in the secessionist entities. The paper concludes with recommendations on how the EU can contribute to conflict resolution in Georgia through a greater inclusion of the conflict regions into the European Neighbourhood Policy.
Topic:: Conflict Resolution and Regional Cooperation
Political Geography:: Europe, Eastern Europe, Georgia, South Ossetia, and Abkhazia

Author:: Bruno Coppieters, Tamara Kovziridze, and Uwe Leonardy
Publication Date:: 10-2003
Content Type:: Working Paper
Institution:: Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, Harvard University
Abstract:: Since its declaration of independence on April 1991, Georgia's sovereignty has been challenged by civil war and by secession attempts on the part of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. Negotiations on the reintegration of these two entities through federalization have failed. The Russian Federation, the United Nations (UN), and the Organisation for Security and Cooperation (OSCE) in Europe were involved in a series of negotiations on a federal division of powers between Georgia, Abkhazia, and South Ossetia, but these negotiations did not achieve practical results. The positions between the Georgian government and the Abkhaz authorities concerning the status of Abkhazia have been moving even further apart.
Topic:: Security and Politics
Political Geography:: Russia, Europe, Central Asia, Georgia, South Ossetia, and Abkhazia

Publication Date:: 05-2002
Content Type:: Working Paper
Institution:: Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System
Abstract:: On 6-7 May 2002, the National Intelligence Council and the Department of State's Bureau of Intelligence and Research sponsored a conference that examined the prospects for resolving regional conflicts involving four states of the former Soviet Union: Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Moldova. The conference brought together outside scholars, regional experts and officials to discuss the conflicts in Abkhazia, South Ossetia, Nagorno-Karabakh, and Transnistria. The purpose was not to arrive at a consensus but to deepen understanding of the complex geopolitical dynamics at work in the region.
Topic:: Conflict Resolution, International Relations, and Peace Studies
Political Geography:: Moldova, Eastern Europe, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, South Ossetia, and Abkhazia

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